Last chance to vote in the European Festival Awards!

Following last year’s sell-out success, the EuropeanFestival Awards will return to the Oosterport Congress Centre, Groningen, Holland for its fourth edition, crowning the opening night of the Eurosonic Noorderslag conference and festival on Wednesday 9th January 2013.

The event, created as a platform to celebrate and recognise the colossal vision, creativity and hard work which goes into producing Europe’s magnificent festival scene each year, will unite the continental festival industry under one roof for a unique opportunity to socialize, network and let its hair down in the wake of a challenging and eventful year for the sector.

The winners, decided by a combination of public and industry vote, will be revealed and presented with their accolades at the gala ceremony, which features a big-name host, gourmet dinner, drinks reception, live entertainment and a lively aftershow party.

Public voting runs from Friday 5th to Wednesday 7th November to decide the winners of categories such as Best Major, Medium-Sized and Small European Festival; Best New Festival; Best European Line-Up; Best Headliner and Anthem of the Summer. The top 10 shortlists will be revealed on 12th November.

Other more specialised categories will be decided by an industry jury consisting of prominent booking agents, journalists and other seasoned experts.

Steve Jenner, co-founder, Festival Awards Ltd. Comments: “It’s an honour and a privilege to once again be hosting these celebrations for the great European festival producers; many of which have had a tough time this year in their commitment to entertaining the many millions of festival-goers around the continent. We look forward to giving these people a party worthy of the super-heroes they undoubtedly are.”

Christof Huber, Chairman, Yourope – The European Festival Association adds:“The Festival Awards Europe are getting more and more important for the European Festival industry as a recognition and motivation for many promoters who do a fantastic job during the year. On the other hand, it’s a great opportunity to gather with all the festivals promoters from all over Europe and enjoy a great night out.“

Peter Smidt, Creative Director Eurosonic Noorderslag said: “With the European Border Breakers Awards and the European Festival Awards in a row it is a perfect opening evening of Eurosonic Noorderslag – The European Music Conference and showcase Festival.”

Show-only tickets are also available for €30 which include:-Gallery seat for Festival Awards show at Oosterport Congress Centre – Grote Zaal-Entry to after-show party-Copy of the European Festival Report

Said Fruzsina Szep from Sziget festival after receiving the Best Major Festival award and inviting everyone to join her in a drink of Palinka: “We were very much hoping to win this award and it really means a lot to us because 2012 will be the 20th edition of our festival.”

On receiving his lifetime achievement award Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis said: “42 years ago I started something on my farm towards the end of the flower power era in the 60’s and we had less than a thousand people and now we have 150,000 people registered to buy a ticket for 2013. Thank you very much to everyone and thanks to all the people who have been involved in our show and thanks to all the people who buy tickets every year. I hope there are a few more years to go yet, another 10 years maybe.”

About Festival Awards Europe:Established in 2009, in co-operation between Festival Awards Ltd,, Yourope (the European Festival Association) and Eurosonic Noorderslag, Festival Awards Europe is the only event solely dedicated to recognising the contributions and achievements of the event organisers and performing artists that generate billions of Euros for local economies and brighten up the summer for tens of millions of festival-goers each year. Decided by a combination of public vote and industry juries, the awards are presented at a sold out ceremony taking place at Groningen’s De Oosterport in The Netherlands. Last year saw a record breaking edition with over 350,000 festival-goers casting votes and more than 200 festivals taking part. http:// eu.festivalawards.com

About Yourope:Founded in November 1998 – Today representing over 80 members from 26 countries.Yourope members are dedicated to improving the European festival scene in terms of: working conditions; health and safety issues; environmental awareness; exchange of knowledge and information; promoting the cross-border exchange of live music talent. The overall aim of the association is to collaborate, share experiences and to pinpoint areas that would benefitfrom a joint approach. Having gained respect within the industry and at government level, Yourope also has the power to lobby for all legal and industry issues relating to the European festival industry on behalf of its members and together with other associations in the live music business. Yourope also focuses on other key issues for festivals – such exchange of information regarding marketing and sponsoring, contracts, production riders or radio/TV/internet rights and more. www.yourope.org

About Eurosonic NoorderslagEurosonic Noorderslag is Europe’s most important live music industry conference and showcase festival for European talent. With over 2800 delegates, showcases by 260 artists and a conference with 100 panels, keynote speakers, interviews and meetings, EuroSonic Noorderslag is the key exchange and networking platform for European music, European artists, international music industry professionals and organizations.www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl